Ohio Electric Customer Choice

How to choose a supplier‌
Learn more about how to navigate the process of choosing an energy supplier for electric or natural gas, including how you can return to Duke Energy Ohio.
Understanding aggregation‌
Do you live in a community that has entered into an agreement with an energy supplier? Learn how this process works, how aggregation impacts you and what your options are.
Opt in / opt out of customer lists‌
The utility commission requires Duke Energy to provide a list of current customers to certified suppliers so they can market their services to customers. To be removed or added to the list, submit a request.
Energy Choice Ohio (Supplier Choice)‌
Learn more about supplier choice from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio's website.

What is Energy Choice Ohio?

Energy Choice Ohio, commonly called Supplier Choice or Ohio Choice, is a statewide program that allows many customers to shop for energy options from a group of suppliers certified by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). Before learning the ins and outs of the program, you should understand the difference between energy supply and energy delivery. These are broken out on your Duke Energy Ohio bill and are the two biggest contributors to your monthly energy charges.

What is supply and delivery?
Electric customer choice allows most electric customers to choose the company that supplies their electricity (the generation portion of their electric bill). However, Duke Energy Ohio will continue to deliver the electricity to customers, maintain power lines, send bills and respond to emergency situations. Customers can also choose the company that supplies their natural gas (the generation portion of their natural gas bill) and Duke Energy Ohio will deliver the gas to customers, maintain natural gas infrastructure, send bills and respond to emergencies.

How does delivery differ from supply?
Beyond the supply (or generation portion of your bill), the other component of your monthly energy bill is energy delivery. This includes the fixed and usage-based fees that Duke Energy Ohio charges for delivering energy to your home or business: maintaining poles, wires and pipes; handling billing and payment; responding to outages and emergencies; and more.

Choosing a supplier

Switching suppliers or returning to Duke Energy Ohio
If you are receiving your energy from a supplier, you can switch suppliers by contacting the new supplier directly. If you change your mind later, you can return to Duke Energy Ohio by contacting a customer care representative at 800.544.6900. Before switching, you should understand if there are any cancellation fees or payment penalties in your supply contract for early termination.

Even if you’re not actively shopping for energy supply, some third-party energy companies may contact you directly to inform you about their offers. This may be done via phone, mail, email or in person.

Resources

Ohio state government

Information for suppliers

View All Resources

Are you an energy supplier?

Find resources for energy suppliers, including the customer authorization form.

Electric Supplier Natural Gas Supplier

Frequently Asked Questions

No. You do not have to select another supplier. Because this is a customer choice program (established and administered by the state of Ohio) , it is voluntary. If you choose not to participate, Duke Energy Ohio will continue to supply you with electricity and/or natural gas in the same efficient, safe and reliable manner you've come to expect. There won't be a need to fill out any forms or notify anyone of your decision to remain with Duke Energy Ohio.

There is the possibility that your local government could choose to aggregate its residents with a different supplier. However, this would have to be approved through the voting process by the community. If aggregation were approved, you would still have the option to opt off the aggregated list.

Frequently Asked Questions
(Natural Gas ONLY)

In a monopoly environment, state laws and regulations require your local utility company to purchase natural gas in a manner that ensures that there is a sufficient supply to serve all customers at all times. All customers who buy their natural gas from Duke Energy are charged the same average price for each unit of gas that is used. In a competitive market, other suppliers aren't obligated to serve all customers at all times and can offer various pricing options. This allows for more flexibility to keep costs down and to offer pricing based on supply and demand. For customers willing to shop for suppliers, the opportunity to realize savings may be available.

Understanding Your Options

How to choose a supplier‌

Understanding aggregation‌

Opt in / opt out of customer lists‌

Energy Choice Ohio (Supplier Choice)‌

What is Energy Choice Ohio?

Choosing a supplier

Resources

Ohio state government

Information for suppliers

Are you an energy supplier?

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions
(Natural Gas ONLY)

Navigation

Navigation

Understanding Your Options

Choosing a supplier

Resources

Ohio state government

Information for suppliers

Must I select a supplier other than Duke Energy Ohio?

Will I experience a decrease in the quality of service if I choose another supplier?

If I change suppliers, whom do I call if I have an outage?

Will I receive two bills each month if I choose a new supplier?

Will I need a special meter if I choose a new supplier?

Is there a deadline for enrolling in Energy Choice Ohio?

What happens if the supplier becomes unable to serve its customers?

How will changes affect my enrollment in low-income programs?

Can I participate in Budget Billing if I receive my energy from a third-party supplier?

How can other suppliers charge me less?

Why must I pay sales tax when switching to a supplier?

If I choose another supplier, will the quality of service remain the same?

If my city or town elects to aggregate, can I stay with my current supplier or with Duke Energy Ohio?